Pecha Kucha is a presentation format where a speaker shows 20 images and has 20 seconds per slide to explain what's being portrayed. The concept started in Japan in 2003 as a way for architects to talk about their work in a controlled manner, reportedly because architects talk too much. The event's popularity has grown into a worldwide phenomenon, with more than 600 cities holding events.

Platform Art brought it to Lakeland two years ago and hosts three events a year.

"What I think is cool about it is there are so many creative people out there in the community and it's just regular people who do amazing things, so it's really entertaining and interesting to have people come in and do a presentation about what is important to them," said Cynthia Haffey, executive director of Platform Art.

The events are free to the public and held at different locations. There are usually 8 to 10 presentations with an intimate crowd of 50 to 60 people. Pecha Kucha is a nonprofit organization, and sites must apply to be recognized officially.

Presentations are not limited to art. Meredith Spresser has presented twice at Pecha Kucha, her first was about her female action figure collection and the other on repainting the Wachovia Swan in Downtown Lakeland with Wells Fargo colors.

"There have been all sorts of topics covered at the Pecha Kuchas and it's been really interesting to see the diversity of interests that are in our county, or area," Spresser said. "At the last one, there was a man who spoke about U.S. economic policy. There's really nothing artistic about that, but it was a very interesting presentation."

Saying everything needed in 20 seconds can be challenging for some. One person could breeze through their presentation with extra time remaining, while someone else may run out of time if they talk about a slide for too long.

Topics to be discussed tonight include "My Failed Kickstarter and What I Learned" by Ryan Deeds, "The Florida Jedi Order" by Jeremy Carter and "Chalk for Charity" by Steve Jones.

"Here in Lakeland, I see it being more about things about what people are passionate about or involved in and it's very interesting stuff," Spresser said. "You get everything from the very artistic and creative, to logical and analytical."

[ Matt Reinstetle can be reached at matt.reinstetle@theledger.com or 802-7533. ]

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